Peabody Insurance Blog

'As the mercury drops, take a look at these quick tips to avoid an accident on slick roads.'
Brenda Boomer | bboomer@peabodyinc.com
Did You Know?
Winter weather can present many driving headaches for drivers, slick roadways being one of them. Most skids can be prevented by simply adjusting driving to the conditions and remembering how to recover if you should come in contact with a slick surface.
Remember these tips to avoid a dangerous accident when roads are slick:
Slow down before reaching curves and turns.
Plan ahead for lane changes by checking in your rearview ...
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"Preparing for disasters and other unforeseen threats is an important part of preparing your business for longevity today."
Dave Lucas | dlucas@peabodyinc.com
Criminal activity, natural disasters and terrorism are sadly threats that all businesses should account for and the best time to plan is sooner than later. It is important that you have readiness plans in place to minimize the potential impact of any potentially threatening situation.
Without prior planning, you leave your company open to financial disaster, especially if you are forced to close operations for a peri...
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"Don’t wait to be a hero! Check out this short and funny Ted Talk by Mark Bezos"
Wendy Light | wlight@peabodyinc.com
Video Courtesy of: TedTalks
Volunteer firefighter Mark Bezos tells a story of an act of heroism that didn't go quite as expected — but that taught him a big lesson: Don't wait to be a hero.
Click Here to view the video ...
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"Exercise is a great way to combat stress, lose weight and boost your energy. To get the most from your workouts, it is important that you add warming up, cooling down and stretching to your exercise routine. These three simple steps are proven to prevent painful and costly injuries later."
Teresa Taylor | ttaylor@peabodyinc.com
Warming Up
Warming up allows your body time to adjust from rest to activity. It increases blood flow to the muscles so they stretch easily, reducing the risk of muscle tears. It also lubricates joints and carries oxygen to the heart.
To effectiv...
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"After buying this year’s Christmas gifts; be sure to update your insurance agent regarding any valuable purchases."
Danielle Allen | dallen@peabodyinc.com
Article Courtesy of: Cincinatti Insurance Group
The holidays provide us with good reasons for presenting special – and often valuable – gifts to our loved ones. In the excitement of surprising someone with a gift that makes a big impression, remember that properly insuring expensive gifts can bring you peace and joy long after the holiday season is over.
Follow some easy tips for insuring new ...
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Article Courtesy of: www.fisherphillips.com
As 2016 winds down, we are entering into the prime season for holiday gatherings. Based on a recent study by the Society for Human Resource Management, approximately 65% of employers plan to host a holiday or end-of-year party. Although these parties can be a lot of fun, they can be hotbeds for potential employer liability. So, what can you do to reduce the potential for mishaps?
There is no surefire way to eliminate legal exposure, but there are some proactive steps you can take to reduce their risk. Think of this article as a roadmap, so you...
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"According to a recent report, 88 percent of employees lack the understanding necessary to prevent common cyber incidents."
Jo Schofield | jschofield@peabodyinc.com
That report is based on the results of a survey given to more than 1,000 employees across the Unites States, and was designed to test the level of knowledge and awareness of cyber security among employees by asking them to name proper behaviors in given circumstances. The survey covered eight risk domains and assigned three risk profiles—Risk, Novice and Hero—to indicate an employee’s privacy and s...
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"Stay healthy this winter!"
Teresa Taylor | ttaylor@peabodyinc.com
During the winter, diseases like the flu, pneumonia, strep throat and the cold become easier to catch and transmit. And, although these illnesses generally don’t pose a serious risk to those in good health, you can keep everyone as healthy as possible by following these tips:
Wash your hands with soap and water before eating, after using the restroom, and after you cough, sneeze or blow your nose.
Cough or sneeze into your arm instead of your hands. This will limit the chance of ...
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“As the end of the year approaches many of us are starting to think of the changes we want to make in our lives, families, and organizations. In order to bring about change it takes more than being a leader, learn how to start a movement from this lone nut”
Dave Lucas | dlucas@peabodyinc.com
If you've learned a lot about leadership and making a movement, then let's watch a movement happen, start to finish, in under 3 minutes, and dissect some lessons: A leader needs the guts to stand alone and look ridiculous. But what he's doing is so simple, it's almost instructional. This...
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"Chip cards do not solve all security problems. Read this article to learn more!"
Brenda Boomer | bboomer@peabodyinc.com
Article Courtesy of: Cinncinati Insurance
Banking cards with microchip technology are designed to protect against fraudulent duplication of magnetic strip cards. However, they do not solve all potential problems confronting consumers. It still pays to be cautious with your credit card information. Unfortunately, as security measures increase, criminals find new ways to steal information.
Chip cards can be read over a short distance using radio frequen...
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"Follow these simple tips to maintain your active lifestyle!"
Teresa Taylor | ttaylor@peabodyinc.com
As you age, it’s important to stay healthy, fit and active to keep your body functioning as it should. And, the earlier you start maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the longer you will be able to enjoy the benefits.
Use these tips to keep your body and mind healthy as you age:
Stay up to date on your medical screenings, including visits to your primary care physician, optometrist and dentist.
Limit your alcohol consumption.
Exercise regularly. This m...
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"Follow these steps to participate in the Galaxy Note 7 recall."
Brenda Boomer | bboomer@peabpdyinc.com
Samsung Electronics’ newest smartphone, the Galaxy Note 7, has been officially recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Although Samsung initiated a voluntary recall shortly after the phone’s release, all of the devices have now been recalled.
If you own a Galaxy Note 7, it can be returned for a full refund or a replacement device. Here are some steps to take if you or a family member has purchased one of the devices:
Immediately stop us...
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"Teaching correct lifting technique is important from an early age to help prevent back pain later in life"
Teresa Taylor | ttaylor@peabodyinc.com
According to a study conducted by researchers at the Finnish Institute for Occupational Health, young adults who engage in work that involves heavy lifting and forceful movements could be at an increased risk of developing back pain later in life.
Researchers surveyed 738 Finnish men and women between the ages of 18 and 24, and then followed up with that same group 20 years later. For both men and women, the likelihood of developing...
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Football game day fuels emotions and festivities, whether you’re rooting for your college alma mater or your favorite pro team. Don’t let the distractions of tailgating, friendly get-togethers, the game or your busy neighborhood lead you to disregard safety issues.
Before decking out in your favorite team colors, keep these tips in mind:
Follow all posted rules for your tailgating site.
Make sure your grill is placed a reasonable distance away from your vehicle. Heat from the grill can damage the paint and could ignite the gas tank.
Place a fire extinguisher next to the tailg...
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"In a situation where one company merges with another to become a single entity, or when one company is acquired by another, it is imperative that both parties review and update their insurance coverages to ensure all risks are accounted for. This article details the steps your company should take to prepare for a merger or acquisition and defines two types of insurance that may help your company close the deal with confidence."
Wendy Light | wlight@peabodyinc.com
Perform an Insurance Review
To make sure your company is not blindsided by surprise liabilities after a merger or ...
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On The Town Magazine (Volume 6 Issue 2 – pg 36)
Written by Chelsea Mills
Peabody Insurance Agency has a pretty awesome group of agents and team members. They wanted to take the time to spotlight one of their workers compensation specialists who has saved his clients thousands of dollars each year. He’s done this by correcting errors found in workers compensation audits, experience modification factors and premium calculations in every type of business, ranging from excavators to industrial warehouses.
Did you know approximately 25-50% of business owners who carry a workers compensation p...
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"Jim Peabody is Recognized for Insurance Leadership by the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors."
Kelly Dues | kdues@peabodyinc.com
The Society of CIC Recognizes Jim Peabody For Twenty Years of Leadership
Jim Peabody, CIC owner of Peabody Insurance Agency in Fenton, Michigan was recently honored for his ongoing pledge to education, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the insurance profession. The Society of Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) presented Mr. Jim Peabody with a formally-inscribed certificate for his continued participation in the CIC Program.
Earni...
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Cellular Phone Safe Use Guidelines
Each employee who drives a motor vehicle for company business shall abide by these guidelines. Acknowledgement of understanding and commitment to following these guidelines should be obtained by employee signature.
Get to know your wireless phone and its features such as speed dial and redial. Carefully read your instruction manual and learn to take advantage of valuable features most phones offer, including automatic redial and memory. Also, work to memorize the phone keypad so you can use the speed dial function without taking your attention of the...
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“As mosquito season gets started in Michigan, there are new reasons to buy bug spray this summer. The zika virus continues to spread globally and outdoor workers need to be prepared. Read this article to learn more about how to protect your workforce from contracting and spreading the virus.”
Brenda Boomer | bboomer@peabodyinc.com
Prevention of Zika for Outdoor Workers*
Recommended employer actions to protect outdoor workers:
Inform workers about their risks of exposure to Zika virus through mosquito bites and train them how to protect themselves. Check the CDC Zika websi...
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"Most people at least know of someone whose car has been broken into and items stolen. What most people don't know is that your homeowners policy not your auto policy is the best bet to replace these items. Read this article to learn more about what to do in the event of a auto break in." Bridget Hetchler | bhetchler@peabodyinc.com Article Courtesy of Carinsurancecomparison.com If you have any goods or personal property stolen from your car, don’t count on your car insurance company to pay for their replacement. Car insurance policies are not intended to provide coverage fo...
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"OSHA eye and face protection standards are changing on April 25th 2016. Employers may comply with the 2010, 2003 or revised 1989 ANSI version of this standard. Read the full article to learn more!"
Wendy Light | wlight@peabodyinc.com
OSHA Updates Eye and Face Protection Standard
On March 25, 2016, OSHA issued a final rule updating the eye and face protection standard. The final rule updates references to the most recent eye and face protection standards issued by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
The final rule also harmonizes eye and face protection standards for ...
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"April is stress awareness month. Check out this Ted Talk to see how you can turn stress into your friend."
Danielle Allen | dallen@peabodyinc.com
Article Courtesy of TEDGlobal
Stress. It makes your heart pound, your breathing quicken and your forehead sweat. But while stress has been made into a public health enemy, new research suggests that stress may only be bad for you if you believe that to be the case. Psychologist Kelly McGonigal urges us to see stress as a positive, and introduces us to an unsung mechanism for stress reduction: reaching out to others.
Learn how to make str...
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"Snow, sleet, hail and more all have the potential to cause substantial damage to your home. And, although some damage is inevitable, it’s important to inspect your home and the surrounding area in spring to see if any repairs are needed."
Teresa Taylor | ttaylor@peabodyinc.com
Performing a Home Inspection After Winter
The winter and early spring season can cause wear and tear on your home. If small issues are left unattended, they will generally grow to become a much larger expense or claim. Here are five areas around your home to inspect after winter:
Exterior: The exterior and ...
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"As the school year comes to a close, businesses often hire vacationing high school students to supplement the workforce. This is a great opportunity for businesses to take advantage of temporary work and for students to gain work experience. Check out this article to review some basic but highly important rules that apply to employing minors."
Brenda Boomer | bboomer@peabodyinc.com
Article Courtesy of: Michigan Insurance Company
This guide is for employers who hire minor workers. Every employer who hires young workers should know that in general:
• A minor must be at least 14-year...
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"Technology has improved efficiencies, added convenience and helped many companies grow at an incredible pace. Even with advancements in technology, human interaction and error-prevention still play a critical role in protecting our assets."
Brenda Boomer | bboomer@peabodyinc.com
Article Courtesy of Cincinnati Insurance
Computer fraud called social engineering entails manipulating and deliberately deceiving a person and exploiting human weakness to obtain confidential information or assets such as cash.
This manipulation could include:
Phishing – An email appears to come from a...
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"When your business is considering new construction or expansion, make sure that the contractor you hire is properly covered."
Jo Wood | jwood@peabodyinc.com
Article Courtesy of Cincinnati Insurance
If you are growing a business, developing real estate or buying commercial construction services, you probably know “construction” equals “risk.” The safety of the tradespeople working on your property and the potential for physical damage resulting from construction activity all factor into your planning and risk management.
But one important and often overlooked risk is who you hire t...
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